Have you been dreaming of taking an Icelandic adventure? Of visiting waterfalls, seeing the northern lights, and being blown away by the country’s incredible natural beauty?
The Iceland tips in this guide are the ones I learned while planning my trip to and traveling in this spectacular Nordic nation.
These Iceland travel tips can help you make the most of your time, take advantage of the best things to do, avoid common mistakes, and maximize your travel dollars on your first trip to Iceland.
Are you ready to make your Iceland trip a success?!
Iceland Travel Tips
While I planned and then eventually drove Iceland’s Ring Road, I learned a lot about how to travel in Iceland. Overall, Iceland is an easy and safe place to travel. Not to mention, Iceland’s natural wonders will amaze and astonish you!
For this reason, you want to focus all your energy on enjoying the beautiful and oftentimes otherworldly landscape of Iceland.
I’ve organized my top Iceland travel tips into sections that’ll help you prepare before your trip and have a smooth adventure once you’re there.
Planning an Iceland Trip
These are things to know before going to Iceland so you don’t end up missing out on things you wanted to see or do or even need to rework your Iceland itinerary around available accommodations.
1. When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
One of the best things about Iceland is that it’s a year-round travel destination. When you visit will entirely depend on the goals of your trip.
Winter, from October-March, is the ideal time to visit Iceland if you’re looking to chase the northern lights and enjoy magical, snow-covered panoramas.
In addition to magical light, in winter you can take advantage of Iceland’s surprisingly temperate winter climate and try activities like snowmobiling, ice caving, and winter hiking. Winter is also a great time to enjoy a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon or one of the many hot springs in Iceland.
If you’re considering a trip to Iceland in winter, though, you must plan carefully. Parts of the country are inaccessible or very difficult to reach. Roads close and others can be treacherous to drive on.
If you aren’t used to driving in extreme winter conditions, it’s best to plan a trip to Iceland that focuses on a specific area, likely along the southern coast, with minimal to no driving necessary.
Summer is the best time to visit Iceland if you’re more interested in long days and endless light. This bright and comfortable season lets travelers enjoy long days of exploring the best Iceland waterfalls, shores, mountains, and fjords around the country.
With little to no night, you can enjoy hours of sightseeing, hiking, and hopping between natural hot springs. It also makes driving easier because you almost never have to worry about driving in the dark and most of the country’s roads will be accessible.
Summer is also the best time of year to visit places like the Highlands, Westfjords, Eastfjords, and northern Iceland.
Spring can also be a great time to visit Iceland. The days are quite long even then and with the snowmelt comes full and even more spectacular waterfalls. And while places like the Highlands may still be inaccessible, the treasures of northern Iceland are once again easier to reach via the country’s Ring Road.
Fall in Iceland is a short, but colorful, season. From September-October, the temperatures are still relatively comfortable and the landscape turns from green to shades of red, yellow, and orange. Because it’s between the peak summer season and just a bit too early for the northern lights, you can visit many of Iceland’s best places with fewer people.
2. How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland?
Ideally, you’ll plan at least 1 week in Iceland.
The sweet spot is between 10-14 days in Iceland because it gives you the time to road trip all of Ring Road and/or add some of the more hard-to-reach places to your Iceland itinerary. If you can spare 2 weeks in Iceland or more, you’ll be able to plan experiences and excursions to see Iceland’s top sights, as well as the natural treasures that are just hidden enough to keep the majority of visitors from reaching them on the typical 1-week trip.
If you have less than 7 days, don’t despair! There are still plenty of ways to experience Iceland with a limited number of days. Just understand that you’ll have to prioritize the places you really want to see and maximize your time with uncomplicated logistics. You’ll also inevitably have a list of things you want to see and do for your next trip to Iceland!
3. What Is the Best Way to Tour Iceland?
One of the biggest questions first-time visitors to Iceland have is whether to book a tour or explore the country on their own.
As you plan your trip, understand that Iceland is a true road trip destination. The best way to truly experience this beautiful country is to set off in your own car.
There are definitely benefits to either approach. It all depends on what your goals are for your holiday and how much time you have.
An organized tour is a great option if you’re short on time and want to see popular tourist attractions like the Golden Circle. By booking a tour, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving while you see some of the very best of Iceland’s attractions.
If you are just in Iceland for 2-4 days, it’s best to let an expert guide handle all the logistics in order to maximize your time.
If you’re looking for flexibility, want to explore more of Iceland, or get off the beaten track, then a DIY or self-drive holiday is ideal and recommended.
Renting a car and planning your own itinerary gives you the most flexibility to see and do exactly what you want, for as long as you want. You can even change your plans on a whim, catering to the weather and your own curiosity.
While public transportation or day trips may be able to get you to some popular places near Reykjavik, Iceland is best explored on a self-drive trip. It’s the only way to discover the hidden gems that are seemingly everywhere but just tucked away enough that you need a rental car or campervan to get there.
Ideally, you’ll have at least 10 days in Iceland to drive the entire Ring Road as I did. This gives you the opportunity to see popular sites along the southern coast of Iceland but also to spend time in the north, east, and west parts of the country that don’t see nearly as many visitors. Yet, these areas have some of the most spectacular landscapes and natural wonders in all of Iceland.
4. Pick the Right Rental Car.
When visiting Iceland, you must pick the right rental car for your trip and book it as far in advance as you can.
Iceland is a small country with a limited number of rental cars. You want to make sure you can reserve the type of vehicle you need, be it manual or automatic, 2WD, 4WD, or a 4×4. Not getting the car you need can make or break your entire trip!
ProTip: Once you make your pay-at-the-counter or refundable car rental reservation, track it with Autoslash. If they find a better price, they will let you know so you can rebook at the cheaper price.
A regular two-wheel drive (2WD) car or sedan, especially in the summer months, will be more than adequate if your goals are to cruise around Reykjavik and drive to the Golden Circle or along Ring Road. These roads are paved, well-maintained, and traveled along frequently, so a 2WD should suffice.
If you plan on taking routes that include gravel roads, F-roads or are visiting in winter, a 4×4 or 4WD SUV is a must. Road conditions vary throughout Iceland, and you’ll want to be ready to tackle any terrain.
To drive on any of the interior F-roads, make sure you have the know-how to drive on these rugged, remote roads and rent a car that is properly rated for them. F-roads are only open in the summer months and require a 4×4.
To be clear, these are not just unpaved roads. These roads are extremely rough and frequently include river crossings. So, having the right car and driving experience for these roads is an absolute must!
5. Get out of Reykjavik.
Reykjavik is the capital and biggest city in Iceland, and you’re bound to spend some time here. But there’s so much more to Iceland than its capital. The country’s most spectacular natural beauty abounds outside the capital city!
If you have the time, I recommend you get out of Reykjavik and base yourself in one (or more) of its secondary cities and explore the natural beauty in these areas.
ProTip: If you have 4 days in Iceland or less, you might consider basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking day trips, either on your own or with a guide, to popular places within reach of the city.
Outside of the Golden Circle, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the easiest ways to explore Iceland’s landscape and get off the beaten path. The journey from Reykjavik to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula will take approximately 2 hours and in just a couple of days of exploring the peninsula, you’ll be able to glimpse a microcosm of Iceland.
The peninsula has a little bit of everything you’d find by driving around Iceland from waterfalls to volcanic craters.
Grundarfjordur is a popular spot to stay or base yourself to begin a self-driven tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. From here, the iconic Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is just outside of town and Snaefellsjokull National Park is within easy reach.
Akureyri is the unofficial capital of northern Iceland. It is the largest town outside of the southwest region and has a rich history and art scene. Travelers flock to Akureyri in winter to enjoy skiing the slopes of Hlidarfjall and in summer as a base to explore unbelievable sites like Godafoss and go whale watching in Husavik.
Easily accessible from the Ring Road, you can reach Akureyri by car or on one of several daily flights from Reykjavik.
Isafjordur is the largest town in the Westfjords and one of the most remote cities in Iceland. It’s a small and walkable town with delicious restaurants and surrounded by stunning mountain views. Isafjordur can be reached by car, and between June 1st and August 31st, there is a regular bus service. There are also two flights daily from Reykjavik on Iceland Air.
The largest town in East Iceland is Egilsstadir. It is on the banks of the Lagarfljot river and is surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant vegetation. A great destination for hikers and bikers, Egilsstadir is close to Iceland’s largest forest as well as lakes, rivers, and fields that can be explored on foot or two wheels. It’s also the gateway to a few of the country’s best Puffin nesting sites. Right on the Ring Road, the easiest way to reach Egilsstadir is by car.
Set on Iceland’s south coast is Selfoss. Close to popular tourist attractions like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, and the Golden Circle, many travelers pass through Selfoss without actually noticing it. This small town is a gateway to coastal towns like Eyrarbakki, Stokkseyri, and Thorlakshofn.
Selfoss is also a great base if you’re interested in visiting popular waterfalls like Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss.
6. Where to Stay in Iceland
Choosing where to stay is one of the biggest hurdles to any itinerary. To pick the right hotels, hostels, or guesthouses, you need to know where you want to go, what you want to do, and what your goals are for your visit.
Distances between places in Iceland can be long. So if you’re planning to visit a few different areas, you’ll need different places to stay in and around where you’re going.
To give you an idea, I stayed in the following places while driving Iceland’s Ring Road.
- Hotel Eldhestar
- Hotel Skaftafell
- Milk Factory
- Sel-Hotel Myvatn
- Hafdals Hotel
- Kirkjufell Guesthouse
- Park Inn Keflavik (Close to the Airport, the Blue Lagoon, and at the time, the erupting Fagradalsfjall Volcano.)
And whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or are a regular visitor to the land of fire and ice, my biggest piece of advice once you’ve chosen where to stay is to book in advance. One of the great things about Iceland is that it hasn’t been taken over by towering hotels that obscure the island’s natural beauty.
But a lack of large hotels also means that accommodation is limited, especially once you travel outside of Reykjavik. With fewer options comes more demand, especially during the peak summer tourist season.
And if places to stay in a particular area are booked it means you’ll need to adjust your itinerary to visit on different days or even potentially miss out on something you really wanted to see or do.
Make sure you don’t miss out and book your accommodations well in advance!
7. Book the Blue Lagoon in Advance.
If you have your heart set on visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, you must book in advance. The Blue Lagoon books out weeks in advance so it’s best to set reserve your spot as soon as you know it. Otherwise, you may be forced to adjust your itinerary or skip it altogether.
Keep in mind that Iceland is full of hot springs. It’s totally possible to enjoy them elsewhere for less money and with fewer people.
ProTip: The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is at the start or end of your Iceland itinerary because of its convenient location to the airport.
8. Make Sure You Have a Credit/Debit Card with a PIN.
The easiest and most convenient way to make purchases throughout Iceland is by credit card or debit card with chip-and-PIN technology. Shops, restaurants, and even the most paid parking in Reykjavik and beyond have card machines or handheld terminals that you can use to easily make your purchase.
For travelers who aren’t automatically issued a PIN with their credit or debit card, you might need to request one from your bank or provider before you go.
It’s important to note that chip-and-PIN is necessary at unmanned gas stations. In order to get gas at these stations, you will need to provide a PIN for the card you’re using. You don’t want to get caught without gas on the Ring Road or in other remote areas of the country, so best to prepare in advance and have your PIN ready.
9. Plan How to Stay Connected.
If you’re road-tripping in Iceland, it’s important to have a connected cell phone should you need help. 112 is Iceland’s (and the European Union’s) emergency number, similar to 911 in the United States.
If you have an unlocked cell phone, getting an Icelandic SIM or eSIM will be the most cost-effective way to stay connected. If not, learn about the types of international data plans your wireless provider offers. These plans or daily rates are often much more expensive than SIM cards, however, they are worth the cost of staying connected in Iceland.
Alternatively, consider getting a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to keep your phone connected. These pocket-sized devices either come with data plans or are compatible with SIMs to work in a variety of countries.
10. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle.
Like many things in Iceland, bottled water is hard to find and expensive. Not to mention, plastic bottles are so bad for the environment! Thankfully, the tap water in Iceland is cold, clean, and exceptionally safe to drink. In fact, Iceland is said to have some of the cleanest and most delicious drinking water in the world.
A great way to save money and stay hydrated in Iceland is to bring a refillable water bottle. Fill it with the country’s high-quality tap water no matter where you are and drink as much water as you need for free.
11. Take the Icelandic Pledge.
Iceland is one of the most popular tourist destinations. As a result, there’s been a huge increase in foot and car traffic over the years. Unfortunately, not everyone who visits is as respectful of the environment or local rules as they should be. It’s not about 1 or 2 people hiking off-trail. It’s that thousands of others will see those footsteps and literally follow suit.
So, in an effort to make visitors a bit more aware of their impact, the office of Icelandic tourism created this simple pledge. It’s an easy way to commit to being a responsible tourist which in turn keeps you and the environment safe.
What to Pack for an Iceland Trip
One of my top tips for traveling to Iceland is to be prepared for any and all weather conditions. Weather conditions change quickly and often, so you’ll want to be ready for anything. Even in summer, most days typically top out at around 60F.
Iceland’s dynamic and erratic weather can make it hard to prepare for a day of exploring, so it’s always better to be over-prepared than under.
12. Base Layers are a Must.
Layers are critical when traveling in Iceland, regardless of the season. Start by investing in a warm base layer and merino wool hiking socks. This will set you up for a successful day of sightseeing, no matter the conditions.
Not to mention, base layers are one of the best packing hacks! They’re thin, take up no space in your luggage, and offer fantastic protection against the elements. Some can even be worn on their own as long-sleeved shirts.
13. Waterproof for the Win!
If you need a layer over your base layer, these fleeces are one of my favorite and most versatile things to pack. But regardless, top off your ensemble with a waterproof outer layer to protect you from the wind, rain, and waterfall spray.
This includes a travel-friendly raincoat and pants that repel water and fit a base layer. Jeans are so uncomfortable when they’re wet and you don’t want wet clothing to get in the way of chasing waterfalls! These waterproof fabrics offer great protection against the wind, as well.
14. Pack Hiking Boots or Hiking Sneakers.
The only thing predictable about the weather in Iceland is that it’s highly unpredictable. One minute you can be enjoying a warm sunny day, and the next you find yourself covered in snow. Even in the summer, depending on where you travel, you might find yourself exploring snow-covered grounds or soaked from a downpour.
Given this, the right footwear is just as important as a solid base layer. You’ll need hiking boots or waterproof boots that offer warmth, resist water, and are grippy on wet surfaces.
15. Don’t forget a swimsuit.
Packing base layers and other waterproof clothes, don’t forget your bathing suit! With pools, hot tubs, and hot springs around the country, you never know when you’ll have the chance to take the plunge.
16. Important Tech to Remember!
Finally, there are a few important pieces of tech gear to remember as you pack your bag for Iceland.
Remember to bring European adapters so you can keep your phone and camera fully charged for your adventures. This is the set I have and I’ve never had a problem in any country.
Given the long drives in between places in Iceland and the remoteness of parts of the country, bring a battery pack to ensure your phone stays charged while you’re away from your hotel room. I always travel with mine.
17. Bring a Camera.
Cell phone cameras have come a long way. But with the gorgeous landscapes across Iceland, you’ll want a camera to capture everything from icy lagoons to flowing lava.
Maybe I’m just a bit too nerdy about my camera and photography, but Iceland is just one of those destinations where you’ll truly appreciate having a camera that can capture everything from the unbelievable landscapes to those beautiful Icelandic horses.
18. Be Prepared for a Lot or Very Little Light.
Located close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland experiences long days and endless nights, depending on the season.
In the summer, Iceland experiences the midnight sun. The days are so long that you can expect darkness to last from approximately 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
The midnight sun is a truly incredible thing to experience; however, it can also make it hard to sleep. I recommend that you come prepared with a sleep mask to help you adjust to the near-constant light. Most hotels have blackout shades, but a little extra darkness never hurts.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, in winter Iceland enjoys days where the sun rises at 10 a.m. and sets around 4 p.m. These shorter days can limit how much sightseeing you can do, but in exchange, you might get to see the amazing northern lights.
Traveling in Iceland
Once you’ve arrived, use the travel tips for Iceland below to navigate the country smoothly, save money, and explore all the beauty this incredible country has to offer.
19. What to Eat in Iceland
Iceland’s food scene is still developing. It’s gotten much better in recent years, but still doesn’t rival culinary capitals like New York, Rome, or Paris. Most of the country’s restaurants are in the capital, with other options scattered in the towns around the country.
Icelandic cuisine predominantly features local lamb, fresh seafood, and skyr, a thick yogurt similar to Greek yogurt.
Interestingly, though, one of the most popular foods in Reykjavik and throughout Iceland is the hot dog! In fact, every trip to Reykjavik should include a stop at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, a world-famous hot dog stand that dates back to 1937. It’s the perfect hearty and delicious treat while strolling through the heart of Reykjavik.
20. Visit a Grocery Store.
Iceland is one of the most expensive travel destinations in Europe, but it doesn’t have to be. To save money on your travels, I recommend that you visit one of Iceland’s excellent grocery stores. If possible, prepare some meals at your accommodations throughout your travels.
Groceries stores in Iceland offer an incredible range of products, from fresh produce and meat, baked goods and treats, to dairy products, Icelandic delicacies, snack foods, and beyond.
By picking up local products and preparing them yourself, you can have the best of both worlds: savoring Icelandic cuisine without breaking the bank.
Not only is this the most cost-effective way to stock up on snacks for your Iceland trip, but having food on hand can come in handy in a pinch. Whether you’re on a hiking trail or you arrive at a new accommodation late and can’t find a place to eat dinner, it’s a smart idea to have at least a few things from a grocery store before setting off on your Iceland road trip.
In a pinch, gas stations and convenience stores throughout the country also have a good selection of food options, which can satisfy your tastebuds, yet not eat into your travel budget as restaurants can.
ProTip: The beer found in grocery stores isn’t exactly as it seems. Known as near-beer, this beverage has the same taste as beer but less alcohol content. For real beer or wine, you’ll have to take a trip to the Vinbudin, the Wine Store.
21. Don’t Rely on Cash.
Iceland is an almost cashless society. In fact, I never needed an actual Icelandic Krona during my entire trip.
Almost anywhere you go, purchases can be made using a credit card or debit card. Because cards are so widely accepted throughout Iceland, you don’t need to exchange cash before you come. If you do want to have a few Krona in your pocket, it’s best to get cash from an ATM when you arrive.
Tipping is also not commonplace in Iceland, so you don’t need to worry about having cash available in restaurants, cafes, or bars. The one exception might be if you’d like to tip a tour guide for a job well done.
22. Stay Safe.
Iceland is one of the safest countries in Europe. The risk of getting robbed, harassed, or scammed on the street is very low, and you should feel safe walking around Reykjavik. Having said that, you should still use common sense when enjoying the nightlife or exploring Reykjavik at night.
The biggest danger to tourists visiting Iceland is actually out in nature. Iceland’s natural landscape is home to incredible and curious attractions, like geysers, hot springs, cliffs, and mountains, which can cause great harm if you’re not careful.
When out exploring Iceland, make sure you follow the signposts and instructions.
Like in other heavily visited places like the Cinque Terre in Italy, the mere existence of these signs tells you there has already been a need to put them there! While visiting the Geysir Hot Springs area along the Golden Circle, I couldn’t believe the signs not only warning about the heat but reminding visitors how long it would take to get to the nearest hospital!
Please, the warnings that geothermally heated water will burn you or that a rocky cliff isn’t safe are true and meant to keep you safe! If there are no signs, again, use your common sense and stay on the path. It protects you and the environment.
23. Driving In Iceland
Driving in Iceland is quite safe along the country’s paved roads. Outside of the capital, there is very little traffic and most jams you’ll encounter are the result of sheep on the road.
In Iceland, they drive on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit is enforced with the help of cameras to keep animals and people safe, so be mindful of this or else risk winding up with a large fine.
The country is made up of a system of narrow and winding highways, including the Ring Road. They typically have one lane going each way and no shoulder. With not a lot of space on the road, it’s important to drive carefully and pay attention.
You should also avoid stopping on the side, or even in the middle, of the road because this makes it hard for other drivers to pass you safely. It can also catch another driver unaware and result in an accident.
24. Rental Car Insurance
Iceland is also a place you’ll want to pay extra for full insurance coverage. It seems counterintuitive with so little traffic the further from Reykjavik you get. However, with so many gravel roads, you’ll be grateful to have that extra protection to guard against chips, dings, and cracks that inevitably happen to even the most careful drivers.
25. Know the Road Conditions.
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can shift at any moment. This can greatly impact your travels if you’re planning on driving around the country. At any time of year, roads in Iceland can be closed for snow or poor conditions caused by flooding, rockslides, or even animals.
Download the Vedur app to ensure you get the most accurate weather updates.
While driving in the eastern part of Iceland during my spring Ring Road trip, the day went from sunny to blizzard conditions in a matter of minutes. With snow suddenly falling at dizzying speed, I was forced to retreat back to Ring Road as quickly and carefully as possible and skip what I had gone in search of.
It is so important that you check for road closure and road conditions with road.is before you set out on your journey for the day. In a country with so few roads, any unexpected closure or detour can add hours to your carefully planned route. Even worse, you could find yourself in a precarious driving situation that could have been avoided.
If you’re planning on driving along F-roads and/or into the Highlands (only open in summer), you should consider logging your plans with safetravel.is and downloading the 112 app to ensure you can get help if the event of an emergency.
26. Navigating the Roads in Iceland
If you’re driving some or all of Iceland’s Ring Road, the loop road circles the island and makes it straightforward to navigate. However, turning off this main road to visit sights and towns can be a bit confusing if you’re visiting Iceland for the first time.
You can use apps like Waze or even Google Maps to help you locate your position. Waze has an advantage because it can also show speed cameras and other driver-reported issues. Just keep in mind, in particular with Google Maps, the app will route you for the quickest journey without factoring in the more scenic way or even if a road is suddenly closed.
Always check the road conditions with road.is and trust this over all else. It’s also a good idea to pick up a physical paper map that you can use when you’re trying to find those hidden gems off the beaten path.
27. Getting Gas
The theme of planning ahead when visiting Iceland holds true while you’re on a self-drive tour of the island. Gas stations can be far and few between, especially in the more remote areas of the country.
A good rule of thumb when driving in Iceland is to fill up when you hit half a tank and/or when you pass by a gas station. You don’t want to get caught needing to refuel with no gas stations for many miles. In some places, it could be quite a while before someone passes by who can help.
Like many things in Iceland, gas prices are high. You’ll need to take this into account when you plan your budget, as it’s not unheard of for a tank of gas to cost between $90-100 USD. Refueling at self-serve gas stations can be slightly cheaper than at a gas station with a shop and attendant.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many gas stations close at 9 or 10 p.m., so fuel up early if you would like an attendant’s help, and be sure to have a credit or debit card with a PIN in order to use the pumps at unmanned gas stations.
28. Get Off the Beaten Path.
Some of the most incredible places in Iceland are the hardest to get to. The Eastfjords, Westfjords, and Icelandic Highlands aren’t connected to the rest of the country via the Ring Road. However, making the trek to visit them is well worth the effort.
Located on opposite sides of the country, the Eastfjords and Westfjords are ancient fishing posts with breathtaking mountain and sea views and spectacular hiking trails. These small communities are bursting with charm and color, and there’s plenty to see, including stunning fjords, towering waterfalls, hot pools, long stretches of beaches, and puffins!
The highlands are at the heart of Iceland. Set in the interior, the highlands are the perfect destination for intrepid travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here you’ll find some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. With few towns and settlements, the highlands are a true uninhabited sanctuary.
These 3 areas are well worth the effort to reach and are best visited during the summer months.
And also don’t forgo discoveries along the way, even just a few minutes off popular Ring Road! You’ll inevitably come across numerous places that haven’t appeared on any top things to do in Iceland lists. Always follow road signs and check the road conditions, but don’t resist the urge to explore either.
While driving along a northern section of Ring Road, I stumbled upon the gorgeous Kolugljufur Canyon and also got some of my best photos of Icelandic horses to boot! It was just one of many unexpected stops that made my trip even more awesome.
29. Enjoy Nature and Save Money.
Visitors to Iceland are often surprised that so many of its most popular and famous attractions are free! This is particularly great given how notoriously expensive this Nordic nation is when it comes to fuel, accommodations, and food.
Many popular tourist attractions around the country, including waterfalls, famous landmarks, national parks, and glaciers don’t charge an admission fee. Even many local pools and hot springs, like the warm Reykjadalur River, are free for you to experience. What’s better than enjoying the best of Iceland without breaking the bank?
30. Leave Time for the Unexpected! (A.K.A. An Erupting Volcano)
Ok, so this is definitely just a lucky break should you have a trip to Iceland when there is a safe-to-see volcanic eruption. But, if there is and the authorities deem it safe enough to see, then adjust your itinerary to make it happen!
As if Iceland’s incredible natural beauty isn’t enough, hiking to see an erupting volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just remember to stay on the trail and respect the power of nature (read: don’t walk on hardened lava!) for a jaw-dropping experience.
Bottom Line: Iceland Tips
Iceland is an absolutely amazing travel destination. Even though it can be expensive, busy, and at times a little confusing, these tips for Iceland will help make your time in this Nordic nation smooth, spectacular, and absolutely unforgettable.
So, what questions do you have about these Iceland travel tips?
